COVINGTON, Ky. —Members of a Kentucky family were indicted today for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and submitting false loan applications.

The indictment alleges that from about March of 2000 and continuing through July of 2002, John Van Winkle, 60, and his wife Linda Van Winkle, 59, both currently residing in Lawrenceburg, In., obtained multiple loans and loan renewals from First National Bank in Kenton County, Ky. by making false representations that the loans would be used for legitimate business expenses

The indictment also alleges that John Van Winkle obtained loans and loan renewals by representing himself as the owner and operator of “Design Services” and “Koolsuits, Inc.” After obtaining the loans, the Van Winkles, who resided in Walton, Ky. at the time of the offenses, converted the funds for personal expenses.

The indictment also alleges that Sharlott Thompson and Toni James, the daughters of Linda Van Winkle from a previous marriage, and John Edwards, the boyfriend of Toni James, also obtained loans from First National Bank by making false representations that the loans would be used for business purposes. However, they diverted the loan funds into accounts directly controlled by the Van Winkles for personal use.

The indictment alleges that, based on these false representations, the First National Bank loaned the Van Winkles, Thompson, 36, of Paducah Ky., James, 37, of Walton, Ky., and Edwards, 50, of Walton, Ky., a total of over $4 million.

If convicted, they each face up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years supervised release. Any sentence following conviction will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal statutes.

This ongoing investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke. Appearances before the United States District Court in Covington, Ky. have not yet been set.

The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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